“We believe all life is sacred and think incidents like this are all down to the bad publicity gulls are receiving in the national press.”

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: “We are appealing for information after two young gulls were found with injuries in the Hewlett Close area of St Leonards on Friday, August 14.

“The gulls were already dead by the time we were called and vet examinations revealed that it was not obvious what caused the injuries, and whether they were deliberate or not, so we urge anyone with any information to call us on 0300 123 8018.

“Gulls have a particularly tough time of it and every year we see incidents when they are attacked, particularly in coastal areas like St Leonards.

“Deliberate cruelty is not only callous and unacceptable but it is also against the law.

“We urge people to be tolerant of the wildlife living around them, and remember that gulls are protected under law.

“We would ask members of the public not to copy these actions as it is an offence to injure or kill a wild bird under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and offenders can face a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.”